Classified Employee of the Month

Meet Joan Pena-Ferrick

Joan Pena-Ferrick is a people person. “I really enjoy dealing with all types of people, whether they are students, management, faculty or staff,” Pena-Ferrick says,who has worked in Admissions and Records for 26 years. “I’m inspired knowing I have provided help and direction for them to achieve their goals.”

Veronica Aparicio, her nominator and senior evaluation specialist in A&R, says Pena-Ferrick is an outstanding employee. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about Joan,” says Aparicio. “Ask anyone who has worked with her or has been in contact with her about what a hard working, dedicated employee she is.”

Aparicio admires her patience and compassion, too. “Even when she is swamped with work and has to work weekends, she never complains,” she says. “Just this past Christmas break, Joan was busy at work trying to get grades posted to student records so they could view them as promised.”

Pena-Ferrick knows how important her work is to students, having been a De Anza graduate herself. “I started taking classes in the evenings when I first began working here,” she says. “I know what students need.” Pena-Ferrick also says she enjoys working with her co-workers. “We make a good team.”

Aparicio says, “Joan is an asset to De Anza College, and we are very lucky to have her.”